New Canine Virus and Vaccine Announced

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| Print | By Jo Singer | July 1, 2009 2:59 PM

A new dog flu virus has made an appearance, according to an article published by the New York Times, "Science Times" on June 29. A flu virus which jumped from horses to dogs 5 years ago has now reappeared and is of great concern to dog owners.

Sophie and Pugsly, adopted from Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue
Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press Photo
1-Sophie and Pugsly.jpg The breeds which are more vulnerable to contracting the H3N8 dog flu are the Pekingese, the Pug and Shih Tzus with their "pushed in" noses and dogs that already have other underlying health conditions. Apparently the virus does not affect humans, thankfully. Most of the cases discovered so far are from New York City's northern suburbs, Denver, Philadelphia and Florida.

One of the discoverers of the virus, Dr. Cynda Crawford of the University of Florida veterinary school said, "I don't think we know what this virus is going to do yet." Dr. Crawford has been working with the virus since January 2004 when one-third of the greyhounds at a Florida dog race track died with symptoms of pneumonia and a strange cough.

In the following year she discovered the virus in seven states and learned that it could be passed along to other dogs through rubbing noses and sharing water dishes. She also learned that humans could carry the virus on their clothes as well, thereby spreading from dog to dog. It was feared that 1 percent to 10 percent of the country's 70 million dogs might fatally succumb to this virus.

Dr. Crawford's prediction of the number of fatalities has been proven to be true. Her estimate is that it kills 5 percent of the dogs that contract the virus. If one factors in the fatalities at shelters that have euthanized their canine population, and disinfected their cages, the estimate grows to about an 8 percent mortality rate. What is very interesting, in contrast to this canine virus mortality numbers, is that the human Spanish Flu in 1918 killed about only about 2 percent of those who contracted the disease.

Fortunately the virus has not spread as actively as had been anticipated. While found in 30 states around the country, the virus is concentrated in areas where dogs share close living conditions, such as kennels, shelters, pet stores and dog training schools. Owners of these establishments have been prudent in turning away any dogs that appear ill, which has slowed down its progress.

Dr. Crawford said, "Probably over 10,000 dogs have been infected, but I can't say whether it's 20,000 or 30,000. In a population of 70 million, that's a drop in the bucket."

Since it has taken five mutations for the virus to jump from horses to dogs, the co-discoverer of the virus, Dr. Edward J. Dubovi, of the Cornell University veterinary school, added, "it is probably not as well adapted to dogs as it could be". He added that with another mutation or two, it "could make it a very serious issue, but it takes a certain density of dogs to keep it going".

Dr. Crawford added that, "It really puts a strain on their ability to breathe. They can't move air in and out of their lungs.

The first vaccine for the H3N8 virus has already been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Are you concerned enough about the H3N8 virus to talk with your vet? Leave a comment and share.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (224) , dog (1) , Health (12) , Safety (11) , Veterinary (7)

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Amy July 1, 2009 4:14 PM

I will listen to my vet about reccomendations for shots needed by my dogs. Although I don't have the breeds that are likely to be effected it never hurts to check with my vet.

Vicki July 1, 2009 4:38 PM

I will discuss this with my vet. I have three Shih Tzu's, but all of them stay in the house, and only go out to go to the bathroom. But I do want to talk to my vet about the virus.

lj July 1, 2009 7:20 PM

Not to say there isn't a virus that could be harmful to the K-9 out there,... but why would Pugs, Shih Tzu's, and Pekinese dogs be any more "vulnerable" to any virus than another breed of dog? Sure for these specific breeds of dog, it might be more "dangerous." That I can maybe understand. But how would they be more susceptible to contracting it, moreso than any K-9 would be?

Dr. Crawford should know that any of the 3 breeds named have trouble breathing, and even a simple common cold can be very compromising.

If Crawford's been working with this virus for the past 5 years, it's hardly "new" is it?

Any kennel type environment is going to have more cases of any kind of flu bug that'd be going around, that only stands to reason. Too many animals, too close together, open cages, limited time in fresh air. I think it just sounds a lot like Dr. Crawford is trying to get dog owners spooked into rushing for another vaccine that we may not need. Or is it the discovery of finding a new virus? Where did it come from, did she create it?

Greyhounds that race are starved much of the time, that's why they're so keen to catch those rabbits. I've seen them, and some of 'em are in awful shape. Maybe if these owner/trainers fed 'em more food they'd not be prone to dying so often. Or prone to catching the viruses! I'm not at all concerned about this one!! Pneumonia type symptoms and a "strange cough." Please ask the good Dr. Crawford to be more specific. If she can elaborate on what is "strange" about the cough, I'm interested in hearing what she might mean!

I've never heard of H3N8, I've been working with horses for more than 40 yrs. No, I won't be making a special trip to my vet. I may ask if he's aware of the H3N8, if I happen to run into him. But otherwise,...? Nah. My dog is healthy, and isn't in contact with other dogs. I'll pass on this one.

As always Jo, I do appreciate you keeping the public aware of anything concerning our most special pets, and companion animals. You're very kind to all of us in doing so! And we love ya for it!!

Thanks for All You Do,
lj

tamiflu against flu September 11, 2009 9:04 AM

Sure, it may be. But my experience is a little different...

joe October 14, 2009 12:02 AM

Okay not too sure about a new virus going around but two of my friends who owned boxers recently got sick. The two dogs had the same exact symtoms. The dog's face and neck swelled up. Then they broke out in hives. Both vets suggested benadryl: 1 mg per lbs. So if your dog weighs 25 lbs give the dog 1 pill. The vet also recommended cleaning the apartment, their food & water bowl. I hope this will help someone

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